Le président chinois Xi Jinping appelle le Moyen-Orient à être "maître de son propre destin" au milieu de la guerre contre l'Iran

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Middle Eastern nations to become “masters of their own destiny” during a high-profile meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Wednesday, as tensions over the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States intensify. The remarks came during Xi’s first visit to the Middle East in four years, marking a renewed push by Beijing to bolster its influence in the region amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. During the talks, Xi emphasized the need for regional countries to resist external interference and develop a new framework for security cooperation, according to reports from Chinese state media. The discussions took place under the shadow of escalating hostilities in the Gulf, particularly following disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb. These chokepoints, vital for global oil shipments, have seen increased activity due to the conflict, prompting calls for enhanced collaboration on securing shipping lanes. Xi expressed willingness to work alongside Middle Eastern partners to ensure the safety of these critical routes, signaling China’s growing interest in playing a stabilizing role in the region. The visit underscored the deepening relationship between Egypt and China, with both nations agreeing to strengthen their security and economic ties. A joint statement released after the meeting outlined plans to enhance cooperation in areas such as data centers, semiconductors, and critical metal supply chains. Additionally, the two countries pledged to increase the use of their local currencies in trade and investment, reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar. This move aligns with broader efforts by China to reshape global financial systems and reduce Western influence in international commerce. Xi and Sisi also discussed the importance of opposing what they termed “unilateralism and acts of bullying.” The Chinese president reiterated his call for a more just and equitable global governance system, reflecting Beijing’s long-standing critique of Western-led institutions. Egypt, traditionally a close ally of the United States, has increasingly sought to diversify its foreign policy by building stronger ties with China. This shift is evident in Egypt’s pursuit of a “strategic balance” amid rising global rivalries, as noted by former Egyptian diplomat Ayman Zaineldine. For China, Egypt holds significant strategic value. Its geographic position, access to African markets, and substantial domestic economy make it a crucial partner for Beijing’s ambitions in the Middle East and beyond. Analysts suggest that Egypt’s alignment with China serves multiple purposes, including enhancing its leverage in regional affairs and securing investments in infrastructure and technology. The recent “Eagles of Civilisation” military drills, which saw participation from both Chinese and French forces, further highlight the expanding defense cooperation between the two nations. Chinese investment in Egypt has surged in recent years, driven by agreements forged during Sisi’s 2014 visit to China. Projects ranging from container ports to green hydrogen initiatives and satellite manufacturing have drawn significant attention. The Suez Canal Economic Zone, a flagship project aimed at boosting Egypt’s economic prospects, has attracted considerable Chinese involvement. With Egypt importing nearly $10 billion worth of Chinese goods in the first half of this year alone, the bilateral trade relationship continues to grow. As Xi’s visit concludes, the focus shifts to how these developments will shape future interactions between China and the Middle East. With Egypt positioning itself as a bridge between Asia and Africa, its evolving relationship with Beijing could play a pivotal role in determining the trajectory of regional politics. Meanwhile, the emphasis on self-reliance and collective security suggests that China is keen to present itself not only as an economic power but also as a potential mediator in regional conflicts.